How Stretch Film Thickness Affects Protection (Simply Explained)

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Stretch film comes in different thicknesses (measured in microns, μm), and this thickness changes how well it protects your items. You don’t need the thickest film for everything—what matters is matching the thickness to what you’re wrapping. Let’s break it down simply.​

1. Thin Stretch Film (8–12 μm): For Small, Light Things​

Thin film is soft and flexible, perfect for small or light items like phone chargers, small boxes of pens, or soft toys. It protects these items by:​

• Keeping them tightly wrapped so they don’t fall apart (like holding a bundle of socks together).​

• Blocking light dust (so your small toy or notebook stays clean).​

But thin film isn’t strong enough for heavy or sharp things. If you wrap a small metal tool with 10 μm film, the tool’s sharp edge might tear the film—and then the tool could get scratched or lost.​

2. Medium Stretch Film (15–20 μm): For Regular, Medium-Weight Items​

Medium film is a little stronger than thin film. It works well for things like stacked shoe boxes, small kitchen appliances (like a toaster), or a pile of books. Its protection includes:​

• Holding heavier items together without tearing (so a stack of 5 shoe boxes won’t slide apart).​

• Resisting small bumps (if you accidentally nudge the stacked boxes, the film won’t break).​

This is a good “all-purpose” thickness for most home or small business needs. It’s not too thick (so it’s easy to wrap) and not too thin (so it’s strong enough).​

3. Thick Stretch Film (22–30 μm+): For Heavy or Bulky Things​

Thick film is tough and strong—made for heavy items like pallets of water bottles, furniture parts, or large boxes of tools. It protects by:​

• Holding very heavy loads tightly (even if the pallet is moved around in a truck).​

• Resisting punctures and impacts (if a sharp edge on a furniture part presses against the film, it won’t tear).​

• Blocking more moisture (so a stack of cardboard boxes won’t get wet if there’s a small spill).​

4. Important: Thicker Isn’t Always Better​

You might think “thicker = more protection,” but that’s not true for small or light items. For example:​

• If you wrap a tiny keychain in thick film (25 μm+), it will be hard to wrap tightly—there will be gaps, and dust might still get in.​

• Thick film costs more. Wrapping a small notebook in thick film is a waste of money—you’re paying for strength you don’t need.​

How to Choose: A Simple Rule​

• Small/light items (chargers, pens, soft toys) → 8–12 μm.​

• Medium items (shoe boxes, books, small appliances) → 15–20 μm.​

• Heavy/bulky items (pallets, furniture, large tool boxes) → 22–30 μm+.​

By picking the right thickness, you get the protection you need—without wasting money or struggling with hard-to-use film.​